MP: Choose elsewhere to breastfeed

WOMEN who want to breastfeed in the chamber of the House of Commons when other alternatives are available are exhibitionists, East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson said.

The practice should be done where possible in private parts of Parliament, the senior Democratic Unionist added. He said the confrontational atmosphere was unsuitable for children.

An independent report said MPs should be allowed to breastfeed in the chamber, enabling all members to fully participate in parliamentary business.

He initially described breastfeeding as “voyeuristic” before changing the word to “exhibitionism” after he was challenged during a radio programme.

He told the BBC’s Nolan Show: “Anyone who chooses to do it in the chamber rather than in the quietness of their office, is doing it for reasons other than simply feeding the child, to make a point.”